Kuechly is considered the best available inside linebacker in the 2012 draft class by NFLDraftScout.com, and Rob Rang has the junior at No. 12 on his most recent Big Board. With Manti Te'o deciding to return for another season at Notre Dame, he has quickly become one of the most prized defensive prospects in the draft.

A three-time All-American, Kuechly led the nation in tackles the last two seasons and was recently awarded the Lombardi, Nagurski, and Lott Impact Trophy after recording 191 tackles in 2011. His 532 career tackles stands second in NCAA history, especially impressive considering he accomplished the feat in just three seasons of action.

The ACC Defensive Player of the Year finished his career in style, recording nine tackles and returning an interception 45 yards for a touchdown in his final game at Miami on Nov. 26. Across his three seasons in Chestnut Hill, Kuechly exhibited an uncanny ability to read the opposition and fly to the ball in open space. NFL executives would love to get a film room rat like Kuechly in the organization, and Rang's most recent (Jan. 4) mock draft predicts that to be the Buffalo Bills.

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